The Federal Government has announced millions of dollars in funding for regional connectivity projects across Australia, which will be part of the upcoming budget to be revealed on Tuesday.
Making the announcement at Beef Australia in Rockhampton on Thursday, May 6, Minister for Northern Australia Keith Pitt said $190 million would go toward funding the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) along corridors from Townsville to Mount Isa, Gladstone to Cairns, Darwin to Kununurra, and Darwin to the Beetaloo Basin.
Mr Pitt also announced $9 million would be focused on a pilot program on those corridors for the projects.
“We have to ensure that Northern Australia is connected to the world, and it is this government that is delivering to the north,” he said.
Joint media release with Assistant Minister for Northern Australia Michelle Landry
The Coalition Government today outlined a major new investment package that will further support new job creation, digital connectivity and grow businesses throughout Australia’s north.
Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt said the Government is delivering another $190 million through the new “Our North, Our Future: 2021-2026 investment plan”.
“Our plan will stimulate growth, private sector participation and business opportunities right across the north as the nation moves beyond economic recovery toward a secure and sustained economy,” Minister Pitt said.
“These investments will be made over the next five years to support the implementation of the 20 year White Paper on Developing Northern Australia that will see growth in jobs and the economies of the North.
$10bn government guarantee to counter cyclone costs SHARE THIS ARTICLE
The federal government has stepped in to give a leg-up to home owners, businesses and strata properties who are paying an arm and a leg for appropriate cyclone insurance in Northern Australia.
A joint statement from Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, Minister for Emergency Management David Littleproud and Minister for Northern Australia Keith Pitt revealed the reinsurance pool, which will cover cyclone and related flood damage in Northern Australia from 1 July 2022.
The new initiative, which looks to support households, strata and small businesses, is backed by a $10 billion government guarantee, which will aid in reducing insurance premiums across the region by more than $1.5 billion.
Premium Content
Subscriber only
The Federal Government has announced a further $100 million to extend a minerals exploration incentive by four years, in Gladstone on Wednesday.
Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt MP said the Junior
Minerals Exploration Incentive (JEMI) would help to ensure jobs for future generations of miners.
“The Coalition Government will continue to support our junior mining companies and
encourage exploration and development of new resource deposits,” Mr Pitt said.
“We need to ensure that we have a continuous investment pipeline for development across
regional Australia.
in regional Australia.
Australians.
explorers.
resources, including critical minerals that positions Australia to drive the global economy of
Joint media release with Member for Flynn, Ken O’Dowd
The Coalition Government will contribute a further $100 million to extend the Junior Minerals Exploration Incentive (JMEI) four more years. Extension of the JMEI program will help to ensure jobs for future generations of miners, which may not occur without additional and ongoing exploration activities.
Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt said the Junior Minerals Exploration Incentive allows eligible companies to access tax incentives to attract new investors.
“The Coalition Government will continue to support our junior mining companies and encourage exploration and development of new resource deposits,” Minister Pitt said.